Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Selling your car with CarMax and Wheelzy is similar in many ways. Both CarMax and Wheelzy charge no fees for you to use their services, offer free online price quotes for your car, and have a quick turnaround time.
Overall, Wheelzy is the better car-buying company to sell your car to. Wheelzy’s price offer does not have an expiry date while CarMax’s price offer is valid for only 7 days. Wheelzy offers free car pick-up services and accepts junk cars, while CarMax does not offer such services and only accepts used and new cars in drivable condition.
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
CarMax vs. Wheelzy Comparison
| CarMax | Wheelzy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars accepted | Used & new | New, old and junk |
| Fees | No fees | No fees |
| Requesting quotes | In-person and online application | In-person and online application |
| Offer validity | 7 days | No expiry |
| Payments offered | Bank draft | Cash, check |
| Payout | Same day | Same day |
| Car pick-up | No car pick-up | Free car pick-up |
| Physical locations | 235 store locations | Nationwide locations |
| Turnaround time | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Customer service | Phone, online chat, email | Online chat, phone |
| Reviews | 1.7 | 4.8 |
Cars Accepted
CarMax accepts new and used cars in drivable condition, as well as leased cars. It will appraise the car, contact the leasing company for a payoff quote and process any equity you have. However, CarMax does have a list of vehicle companies from which it cannot purchase leased cars.
Meanwhile, Wheelzy accepts any car in the US regardless of its make, model or condition. Wheelzy will also buy wrecked or junk cars that no longer run.
Fees
CarMax and Wheelzy both provide a free quote when you fill out an application form online. Neither company charges any fees for selling your car.
Requesting Quotes
CarMax and Wheelzy both provide a free quote when you fill out an application form online. Neither company charges any fees for selling your car.
Information you will need to include in a CarMax application:
- Make and model of your car
- Year of manufacturing
- License plate or Vehicle Identification Number
With Wheelzy, you will be asked to include:
- Make and model
- Year of manufacturing
- Sub model
- Car zip code
- Phone number
Offer Validity
Once you receive your offer from CarMax, it is valid for 7 days. There is no specified expiry date for offers with Wheelzy, which promises to keep offer amounts available for as long as possible.
Payments Offered
When selling your car with CarMax, you can leave with your payment in hand on the same day of making your sale. CarMax pays sellers with a bank draft which must be deposited at a bank and can take 1-4 days to show up in your bank account.
CarMax also offers a trade-in option and requires you to drop off your car at an in-person store location.
With Wheelzy, when one of their car removal experts comes to pick up your car, they will offer you payment in the form of a check or cash.
Payout
With CarMax, you will receive your payment in hand the same day that you sell your car. Once you receive your bank draft, you can head to your local bank to make your deposit. Make sure to check with your bank to see if they have a specific holy policy on deposits.
With Wheelzy, you will receive cash or a check on the date you agreed upon for a car specialist to come and pick up your car.
Car Pick-up
CarMax does not offer any pick-up services. With CarMax, you are required to drop off your car at one of their store locations for evaluation, and to complete a sale. Meanwhile, Wheelzy offers free pick-up and towing services.
Physical Locations
With CarMax, you can deliver your car to one of their 235 physical locations across the United States. Wheelzy has locations all over the United States as well.
Turnaround Time
CarMax and Wheelzy both offer a quick turnaround time for quoting and buying your car from you. It typically takes 24 hours to sell your car with both dealerships as quoting and selling your car can be done all on the same day.
Customer Service
You can contact CarMax customer service by:
- Online chat
- Phone: (716) 243-4850
- Email (each store location individually)
Wheelzy’s customer service by calling 855-294-0940 or by accessing the online chat feature on their website.
Reviews
CarMax has a 1.7-star rating on Trustpilot, while Wheelzy’s overall rating is 4.8 stars on Trustpilot. CarMax has a 1.1-star rating on BBB, while Wheelzy has a 3-star rating on BBB.
| CarMax | Wheelzy | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.7 | 4.8 |
| BBB Rating | 1.1 | 3 |
CarMax customers have praised the Company for its quick turnaround time, friendly customer service, and good prices for cars. However, customers have complained about CarMax changing its price offers, not disclosing damages to cars, and providing poor customer service.
Customers have praised Wheelzy for being on time for pick-ups, staying in touch with customers throughout the selling process, and for providing a seamless transaction. On the other hand, customers have complained about the tow drivers arriving late, Wheelzy not honoring their original price offer, and no-show tow drivers.